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Today’s DealsInstinct Alloy 50
A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,499| Weight | 33.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 140 / 150mm |
| Fork | Fox Performance Float 36 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPX2 Performance |
| Wheels | 27.5″ / 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | XT, SLX |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
Summary
The Rocky Mountain Instinct is a highly versatile and adjustable trail bike, praised for its ability to handle a wide range of terrains and riding styles. Its adjustable geometry and suspension settings allow riders to fine-tune the bike's performance to their preferences, making it suitable for almost everyone. While it excels in versatility and adjustability, some reviews note limitations in climbing efficiency and high-speed stability on rougher terrains.
Highly adjustable geometry and suspension
Versatile performance across various terrains
Clean and understated design
Solid modern geometry for improved handling
Good traction and climbing efficiency
Some models may require frequent pedal strikes
Climbing efficiency can be a limitation
High-speed stability on rough terrains may be lacking
Initial setup may require trial and error
The Rocky Mountain Instinct is far too capable to be lumped into a category as pedestrian as 'trail bike.'
A dialed and capable bike that puts the 'all' in all-mountain.Bicycling
Rocky Mountain’s 2021 Instinct offers solid modern geo and enough adjustability that anyone should be able to tune this bike to their terrain or riding style.
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Oct 2021 · Seb Stott
The new motor boasts the same impressive power, but with more refinement, less drag and less weight.
Aug 2021 · Travis Engel
This is not a trail bike. When things get real, the Rocky Mountain Instinct can take it. It can be anything. Maybe even a trail bike.
Incredibly versatile
Smart, functional customization
Clean, understated look
Ride 9 flip chip requires some trial and error
Chainstay-length flip chip adjustment not fine enough
Not cheap, but cheaper options abound.
Jul 2021 · Dale Tiessen
If you’re like me, 2021 left you scrambling for a bike this spring. Having sold off my 2020 Santa Cruz Megatower, feeling it was a bit too much bike for me, I had settled on getting a more trail oriented bike for 2021.
Fully XT equipped ride
RaceFace Turbine R dropper, Maxxis tires, Ergon grips
Frame layup spanning two models reduces cost and improves part availability
Ride9 adjustability for geometry and 10mm wheelbase adjustability
Predictable climbing and descending suspension
Shimano XT shifting and brakes flawless
Supports local BC brands
RaceFace AR30 wheelset with basic hubs (DT 370 rear, no-name front) - low spec
Fox 36 fork spec'd with Fit4 damper instead of Grip2 at this price point
Proprietary derailleur hanger required for short wheelbase setting
Cockpit components considered low spec for serious riders

Jul 2021
An ultra-capable trail bike from Canada's own Rocky Mountain Bicycles.

Jul 2021
When it came time to ride my hometown trails, I was able to really see how the Instinct stacked up. I’m not one to use clichés, but as I descended the rocky, technical landscape of the Red Hill Special Recreation Management Area near Carbondale, Colorado, all I could think was “Has the trail gotten easier?” The tread, in fact, was more blown out than usual, and ruts were worn deeper around the rocks. The trail hadn’t become easier; the 140 mm travel Instinct just made it feel easier. “This is what they mean by ‘trail-tamer,’” I thought.

Jun 2021 · June 15, 2021
If you’ve been following the mag over the years you’ll know that Rocky Mountain’s are a definite favourite amongst our staff here at [R]evo. The reason that we’ve been such big fans of the brand for such a long time comes down to a simple fact; they’re bikes kick arse! Trail performance, speed, technology, reliability and frame aesthetics – Rocky always manage to tick every box and each year their ‘new’ bikes come out with a few little unique details […]

Jun 2021 · Felix Stix
The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 is one of the hottest bikes of the year. The look and feel of the carbon frame are truly awesome and once you hit the trail, the bike reveals great potential. Unfortunately, this is held back by the spec, which robs the Instinct of its chance of securing the coveted Best in Test title in our big mountain bike group test.
Adjustable geometry and kinematic concept
High-quality and well-thought-out frame
Conveys safety and fun on every trail downhill
Comfortable on long rides
The spec doesn't live up to the potential and rowdy nature of the Instinct
Climbing efficiency
Heavy paint wear on chainstays and top tube

May 2021 · McCoy
A must-have rig for all-day adventures
| Frame | FORM™ Alloy. Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. Press Fit BB92. Internal Cable Routing. 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs. RIDE-9™ Adjustable Geometry. 2 Position Axle. 140mm Travel. FORM™ Alloy Rear Triangle BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox 36 Float EVOL GRIP Performance Series 150mm | 27.5 = 37mm Offset | 29 = 44mm Offset Travel: 150mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float DPX2 Performance | Sealed Bearing Eyelet | 25x8mm F Hardware | XS - SM = 190x45mm | MD - LG - XL = 210x52.5mm | Size-Specific tune in FAQ Travel: 140mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano SM-BBMT500 |
| Headset | FSA Orbit NO.57E | 36°x45° Bearings | 30.2mm x 41mm x 7.1mm Upper | 40mm x 51.8mm x 7.5mm Lower | 1.5" Crown Race |
| Stem | Rocky Mountain 35 AM | 5° Rise | All Sizes = 40mm |
| Handlebar | Rocky Mountain AM | 780mm Width | 25mm Rise | 9° Backsweep | 5° Upsweep | 35mm Clamp |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Race | Cromoly Rails | 142mm Width |
| Seatpost | Race Face Aeffect R Dropper 30.9mm | Shimano MT500 Remote | XS - SM = 125mm | MD = 150mm | LG - XL = 175mm Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Ergon GE10 EVO Lock On |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT |
|---|---|
| Crank | Race Face Ride Cinch | 27.5 = 34T | 29 = 32T | 24mm Spindle | 170mm Crank Length |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore 10-51T 12spd |
| Chain | Shimano M6100 |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX Trail 4 Piston | Metallic Pads | RT66 180mm F Rotor | RT66 180mm R Rotor Type: Shimano SLX Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | WTB ST Light i30 TCS 2.0 Tubeless | Tubeless Ready - Tape | Valves Incl | 32H |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0 |
| Front Hub | Rocky Mountain Sealed Boost 15mm |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss 370 Boost 148mm | RMB Axle | 163mm x 12mm x 1.5mm |
| Tires | F: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 WT 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ Tubeless Ready // R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ Tubeless Ready |
First added March 12
Last updated March 12
Not listed for 1,907 days